Survivor Center: Dating/Intimacy

Once cancer treatment has ended, many people find themselves with questions concerning personal issues of dating, disclosure, and intimacy. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is there a “right” time to tell the person I am dating that I had cancer?

This is a very personal decision that will vary with the individual. Oftentimes the decision will change given the situation and personalities involved. But for most people, telling someone about a cancer history is a matter of timing and trust. You have to figure out what is right for you and your relationship to cancer. Some people feel it is important to let a person get to know YOU first, and not just your cancer diagnosis. So in these instances, people may wait until things progress to the point where keeping the cancer history a secret feels more uncomfortable than telling their story. Others feel completely different about this process. Some people feel they are a whole new person because of their diagnosis and do not want to sidestep cancer. These individuals may choose to disclose early on as a part of their personal history and the many significant experiences that inform who they are. Both are correct, and both are particular to the survivor’s personality, comfort level, and understanding of the particular situation.

The cancer treatment has affected my desire to have sex. Is there anything I can do or will it be this way forever?

Cancer changes a person in many ways, both physically and emotionally. It’s not surprising, then, that so many people who have finished treatment tell us that their sexual life has been affected. First of all your body has gone through surgery or treatment that may have affected your sexual function or altered your physical appearance. Secondly, you may be feeling afraid that, having gone through cancer, others won’t find you desirable. The question “Why would anyone want to be with someone who’s had cancer?” is one we hear often. As for those already in a relationship prior to their diagnosis, it can be a challenge to go from being a patient back to being an intimate partner after going through treatment. These adjustments take time, but there are things you can do that can help. With regard to physical changes, there are staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering who specialize in men and women’s sexual health and who can speak with you about treatments that may help to improve your sexual function. Please refer to the Sexual Health section of the Web site to learn more about this important quality-of-life issue.

The process of learning to feel loveable and desirable again can also be supported. Here are some quick suggestions: Time spent becoming reacquainted with your body in a sexual way, as well as talking with your partner about your feelings, can help. You may also consider setting aside special time with your partner, at your own pace, to nurture the intimate part of your relationship. Keep in mind that those around you, even those just getting to know you, will pick up on your own feelings and attitude about yourself. If you convey a sense of confidence and project the message that you have many wonderful things to offer (your sharp sense of humor, your kindness and compassion, or your ability to whip up a great meal), people will respond in kind. Joining a post-treatment workshop or support group, or speaking with a counselor who has worked with people who have had cancer, can help in this process of getting to know and feel good about yourself again. Please contact Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Resources for Life After Cancer program at 646-888-4740 for more information on how we can help.

Are there any options for women wanting to start a family when cancer treatment has affected their ability to become pregnant?

Treatment for cancer may affect your fertility. This means that it may not be possible for you to have a child naturally. Coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment is not easy. Some people find losing their fertility as difficult to accept as the cancer itself. If you are finished with treatment and would like to find out more about your fertility options, please refer to the Fertility & Parenthood section of our Web site for information on the options and resources available to you after cancer.

affected

Individuals in a pedigree who exhibit the specific phenotype under study.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

counselor (KOWN-seh-ler)

A specialist who talks to patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions. Also called mental health counselor.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

fertility (fer-TIH-lih-tee)

The ability to produce children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

personal history (PER-suh-nul HIH-stuh-ree)

A collection of information about a person’s health. It may include information about allergies, illnesses and surgeries, and dates and results of physical exams, tests, screenings, and immunizations. It may also include information about medicines taken and about diet and exercise. Also called personal health record and personal medical history.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)

In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

support group (suh-PORT groop)

A group of people with similar disease or concerns who help each other cope by sharing experiences and information.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

surgery (SER-juh-ree)

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

trust (trust)

A legal document in which a person states what is to be done with his or her property after death. There are many types of trusts, and a trust may take the place of a will.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

will (wil)

A legal document in which a person states what is to be done with his or her property after death, who is to carry out the terms of the will, and who is to care for any minor children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)